The worth of a silver half dollar primarily depends on its silver content and the current market price of silver, often referred to as its melt value. However, some coins may also possess additional numismatic value (collector value) based on their rarity, condition, and historical significance.
For most common silver half dollars, their value as bullion is a significant factor. The silver content varies by specific series and year of mintage.
Melt Values of U.S. Silver Half Dollars
The melt value of a silver half dollar is determined by the amount of pure silver it contains. Based on an update from December 23, 2024, here are the approximate melt values for various U.S. silver half dollar types:
| Coin Type | Composition | Melt Value (as of 12/23/2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947) | 90% Silver | $10.76 |
| Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963) | 90% Silver | $10.76 |
| Kennedy Half Dollar (1964) | 90% Silver | $10.76 |
| Kennedy Half Dollar (1965-1970) | 60% Copper, 40% Silver | $4.40 |
Understanding Silver Content
U.S. half dollars minted before 1965 typically contain a high percentage of silver, while those minted between 1965 and 1970 have a reduced silver content.
- 90% Silver Half Dollars: Coins such as the Walking Liberty (1916-1947), Franklin (1948-1963), and the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. These coins are often sought after for their significant silver content.
- 40% Silver Half Dollars: The Kennedy Half Dollars minted from 1965 to 1970 are known as "40% silver" or "silver clad" coins. They consist of an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper bonded to an inner core of 21% silver and 79% copper, resulting in an overall silver content of 40%.
Factors Affecting Overall Worth
While melt value provides a baseline, other elements can influence a silver half dollar's overall worth:
- Condition (Grade): A coin's state of preservation, from heavily worn to uncirculated, greatly impacts its numismatic value.
- Mint Mark: The small letter on the coin indicating where it was minted (e.g., 'D' for Denver, 'S' for San Francisco, 'P' for Philadelphia). Certain mint marks for specific years can be rarer and more valuable.
- Key Dates and Varieties: Some years or specific varieties of coins are produced in lower quantities or have unique errors, making them more desirable to collectors. For instance, the 1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar is known as a key date.
- Market Demand: Collector demand and current trends in the coin market can also play a role in a coin's premium above its melt value.
Ultimately, for most circulated silver half dollars, the melt value as detailed above is a primary determinant of their worth, with numismatic value adding a premium for rarer or higher-grade examples.
